Thorpe to coach Lions batsmen on UAE tour

Former Test batsman Graham Thorpe has been appointed as batting coach for the England Lions tour of the United Arab Emirates next month, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Thursday.

Thorpe, who has been batting coach for Surrey since 2008, joins a coaching team which also includes David Parsons, ECB Performance Director, and fast bowling specialist Kevin Shine.

The Lions, England's development side, will contest three T20 matches against Pakistan A, T20 matches against the UAE and England and three 50-over fixtures against Pakistan A at the DSC Stadium, Dubai.

Thorpe, who averaged just under 45 in 100 Tests for England, said he was looking forward to the tour.

"It's a great opportunity for me and I'm grateful to Surrey for giving me the freedom to take it on," he said. "Over the course of my time with the team I hope that I can offer them some good advice and be someone they learn a lot from."

Parsons added: "I have no doubt that the squad of aspiring England players will benefit from Graham's experiences both as a hugely successful international cricketer and now a coach.

"We will face some tough opposition during our tour of the UAE and the coaching team will be working hard to ensure that we are well prepared."